The Paul R. Jones Annual Lecture honors Paul R. Jones and his gift of African American art to the University of Delaware. Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Annual Lecture underscores the significance of Black arts to humanistic studies and showcases individuals whose contributions to the field are exemplary, interdisciplinary, and inspiring.
 
The 2023 Paul R. Jones Distinguished Lecture, AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONCERT DANCERS: ACTIVISM, ADVOCACY, AND PROTEST, was delivered by John O. Perpener III, dance historian and scholar. Perpener authored the book African-American Concert Dance: The Harlem Renaissance and Beyond and served as a primary consultant and commentator for the PBS documentary “Free to Dance.” He has worked with the Hartford Ballet Company, the D.C. Black Repertory Dance Company and the Maryland Dance Theater.

This program was recorded on February 21, 2023 in the Gore Recital Hall, Roselle Center for the Arts, University of Delaware.